Navy Intercepts Boats with Stolen Oil in Rivers State

The Nigerian Navy intercepted two wooden boats in the Okrika waterways of Rivers State, which were carrying approximately 15,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and siphoned Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This operation was conducted by personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, following credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected stolen petroleum products.

During a night patrol, the Anti-Crude Oil Theft Team discovered an abandoned wooden boat, which contained several sacks with about 12,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. A subsequent search led to the interception of a second boat, which was laden with 10 drums and seven 50-litre jerrycans containing approximately 3,500 litres of siphoned PMS.

The Nigerian Navy emphasized that these interceptions are crucial in disrupting the logistics chain of crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering. The recovered boats and products were secured according to operational procedures, and surveillance in the area has been intensified to identify additional routes used for illicit trade.